Cyclones upset Storm to win SL01 Final

The Southern Storm headed into yesterday's men’s final as strong favourites having beaten the Cyclones in all three of their previous league matches.

After winning the toss and electing to bat the Cyclones got off to a strong start through opening batters Joshua Doyle (64 runs from 42 balls) and Todd McCann (19 from 13). Harry Dalton also contributing in the middle order with a rapid fire 46 from 35 balls.

Despite contributions with the ball from D’arcy Short (2 for 28) and Nathan McSweeney (1 for 23) the Cyclones worked themselves into a dominate position finishing out the innings 4/171 after 20 overs.

The Southern Storms run chase couldn’t had started any worse when Storm and Hobart Hurricanes D’arcy Short was bowled first ball of the innings attempting to cut the ball from off spinner Harry Dalton. Dalton followed that up in his next over dismissing the leagues leading run scorer Will Bosisto. The Cyclones opening pair of Dalton and Aaron Summers continued to apply the pressure to have the Storm 5 for 33 after 6 overs. Captain Robbie Vandermeulen tried his best to establish a partnership scoring 25 from 22 balls however the Storm continued to regularly lose wickets.

A late fightback from Liam Banthorpe, who launched into three consecutive sixes off Josh Doyle provided some hope for the Storm however it wasn’t to be as the Storm fall 50 runs short.

Cyclones coach/captain Ashley Doolan commenting that he couldn’t be happier with his side “cricket is played between the ears in the big games and today we kept our composure. You’ve got to have that finals mentality and our boys had it today.”

Cyclones Harry Dalton was awarded the player of the final for his contribution with bat and ball.